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Wow! I am so proud. Last Friday, August 21, 2009 a group of outdoor industry companies and environmental not for profits got together for an extraordinary day of service work in beautiful Eldorado Canyon State Park outside of Boulder, Colorado. this was the sixth Backyard Collective, a series of events concevied and executed by Conservation NEXT. As a board member for the Conservation Alliance, I am really excited to see these events take shape and continue to grow. For outdoor company employees, what better way to learn and understad about the environmental and conservation groups that their company’s Conseration Alliance dues support. And for the grantees, what better way to connect with the cool outdoor companies that help them further their misson?! Some key stats:

But the biggest thanks of all go to Deanna Lloyd (The Forest Group) and Brook Shinksy (The North Face), two of our awesome NEXTers who have been putting these events together. From the killer goodie bags, to the tasty lunches and HUGE goodie trays following the event – they really made the hard work worthwhile. Great gear was raffled off at the end of the day and everyone walked away with their own Conservation NEXT shopping bag filled with great stuff from our outdoor company participants.

Last but not least, big thanks to my Osprey crew and Verde PR. A group of four drove up from the 4-Corners, our Boulder based Rocky Mountain Sales Rep added his toil and sweat to the event and we proudly hosted the Colorado Environmental Coalition under our tent. Here are a few of my favorite pictures.

Hey Front Rangers! ConservationNEXT (a program from the Conservation Alliance) is hosting a full day of trail restoration in the climbers paradise known as Eldorado Canyon State Park tomorrow (Friday 8/21). The Backyard Collective vision is to bring together outdoor industry companies for a day of collective action in our backyards. As host for this edition, Osprey is hoping you can come out and lend a hand by joining volunteers from Osprey, Conservation Alliance grantees & friends for a day of service and celebration. If you can’t make it out check back Monday for a recap of the day’s events with photos and commentary.

WHAT: With the help of The Colorado Mountain Club, ConservationNEXT will host a day of trail restoration at Eldorado Canyon State Park. This area, has suffered from such severe budget cuts that they were unable to hire a seasonal trail crew this summer to maintain their hiking and climbing access trails that are used by over 200,000 people each year. The Recreation Manager is desperate for volunteer help, and we will provide a range of activities from building steps to pulling weeds, depending on the interest and ability level of volunteers.

WHEN: August 21st 2009. We will host a morning & afternoon work session with catered lunch served from 12:00-1:00 on site.

WHAT TO BRING: All equipment, tools and instruction will be provided. No experience necessary. Participants will receive a water bottle &water will be available on site. You should dress in comfortable clothing that can get dirty, & don’t forget your shades. If you have leather work gloves you prefer to work with, please bring them, otherwise they will be provided. The program will run in light rain, but will be rescheduled in the case of a full storm! Please bring appropriate rain gear.

SCHEDULE:

Arrive at Eldorado State Park: 8:30AM

Please carpool, parking is very limited

8:00AM –Carpool meeting spots – A representative of CMC will be on hand from 8:00 – 8:30 to assist at each meeting place:

Neptune Mountaineering – 633 S. Broadway #A, Boulder, CO 80305 -

The North Face – 1711 29th Street Boulder, CO 80301

Please note: when you drive through the gate at Eldorado Canyon State Park tell them you’re with the Backyard Collective.